Union calls for probe of tire explosion that killed 2, injured 1 Delta worker at Atlanta airport

A union trying to organize Delta Air Lines ground workers, the International Association of Machinists (IAM), called on Delta and authorities to investigate a reported tire explosion at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport that has left two Delta employees dead and one injured.

“As a union dedicated to the well-being and safety of our members and the broader community, we will offer our resources to all those impacted by this tragic event. We stand in unity with Delta workers during this difficult time and we call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened,” IAM said in a statement.

The IAM represents 100,000 airline workers across North America — but while most U.S. carriers are highly unionized, Delta is not. The IAM is pushing to unionize Delta’s ramp workers, tower workers, and baggage handlers, while the Teamsters union has pushed to unionize mechanics. 

Just last month, IAM organizers held a small rally with Delta workers near the airport in support of unionization.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, in a post on X, offered his “deepest condolences” to the families and loved ones of the deceased, and his thoughts to those injured. The mayor said police, fire, and airport officials were on the scene.

Delta TechOps Chief of Operations John Laughter said in a memo to TechOps employees shared with Atlanta Civic Circle that he is “deeply saddened to share that three TechOps team members were involved in an accident that took place early this morning in Atlanta TOC 3, Dept. 391 – Wheel & Brake Shop. Tragically, two of our team members involved passed away and one other team member was seriously injured.”

“We are extending our full support to their families at this difficult time and conducting an investigation to determine what happened,” Laughter’s memo stated.

A Delta spokesperson said in a statement that “We are now working with local authorities and conducting a full investigation to determine what happened.”